How to Change Job in Qatar Without NOC (2024)

Workers in Qatar can now change jobs without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by following a simple online process through the Ministry of Labour’s electronic system. This applies to all workers, including those in the private sector, domestic workers, and agricultural workers.

Understanding the New Labour Law in Qatar

In 2020, Qatar introduced significant labour reforms that allow workers to change jobs without requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer. This change applies to all workers in Qatar, including those in the private sector, domestic workers, and agricultural workers.

Key Points of the New Labour Law

• Workers can change jobs at any time during their contract period
• No NOC is required from the current employer
• The process is managed through the Ministry of Labour’s electronic system
• Different rules apply for terminating contracts and changing jobs based on worker categories

Step-by-Step Process to Change Jobs in Qatar

Step 1: Submit Application through MOL E-System

1. Download and print the “Change Employer form” form from the Ministry of Labour website
2. Fill in the form with your details and new employer information
3. Sign the form and have your new employer sign and stamp it
4. Log into the MOL electronic system using your Qatari ID (QID) and mobile number
5. Upload the completed and signed form to the system

Step 2: Receive Employer Change (EC) Number

• After submitting your application, you’ll receive an EC number on screen
• Write down or take a photo of this number as it’s crucial for tracking your application

Step 3: Application Processing

• The Ministry of Labour will review your application
• You can check the status anytime using your QID and EC number on the MOL website

Step 4: Receive Confirmation SMS

• Once approved, you’ll receive an SMS confirming the job change and notice period
• Your current and new employers will also be notified

Step 5: Observe Notice Period

• If you’ve worked for 2 years or less: 1-month notice period
• If you’ve worked for more than 2 years: 2-month notice period
• Continue working with your current employer during this time unless mutually agreed otherwise

Step 6: New Employment Contract

• Your new employer must submit contract details through MOL’s Digital Authentication System
• This must be done within 3 months of your notice period ending
• Both you and your new employer need to sign the contract
• The new employer will upload the signed contract for authentication

Step 7: Obtain New QID

• Your new employer will request a new QID for you through the Ministry of Interior
• You’ll receive your new QID free of charge

Notice Period and Termination Rules

Notice Period Duration

• 1 month for employees who have worked 2 years or less
• 2 months for employees who have worked more than 2 years

Early Termination of Notice Period

If you stop working before the notice period ends, you must compensate your employer. The compensation is calculated as follows:

Compensation = (Basic wage / 30) x Number of days remaining in notice period

For example, if your basic wage is QAR 1,500 per month and you leave 15 days early:

Compensation = (1,500 / 30) x 15 = QAR 750

Mutual Agreement to Waive Notice Period

You and your current employer can agree to waive the notice period. In this case:

1. Draft a letter stating the mutual agreement
2. Both parties should sign the letter
3. Attach the letter to your job change application

Changing Jobs During Probation Period

The probation period cannot exceed 6 months and you can only have one probation period with the same employer. To change jobs during probation:

1. Submit your application at least one month before leaving
2. Your new employer must compensate the current employer for recruitment fees and one-way air ticket (not exceeding two months of your basic wage)
3. Work until the end of the notice period unless agreed otherwise with your current employer

End of Service Benefits

If you’ve completed at least one year of employment, you’re entitled to:

• End of service benefits
• Accrued annual leave
• Other benefits stated in your employment contract

Cancelling a Job Change Application

Before Approval

Log into the MOL electronic system and cancel your application

After Approval but Before Contract Authentication

1. Submit a written request to MOL
2. Address the letter to the Head of the Labour Relations Department
3. Explain why you want to cancel
4. Include your EC number, QID copy, and mobile number

Special Cases and Considerations

Non-Payment of Wages

If your current employer hasn’t fulfilled legal obligations (e.g., wage payment):

1. You can change jobs without notice (as per Article 51 of the Labour Law)
2. Submit a complaint to the Labour Relations Department through MOL’s Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers

Leaving Qatar and Returning for a New Job

If you leave Qatar without proper notification or completing the notice period, you cannot return to work in Qatar for one year. To avoid this:

1. Notify your employer through MOL’s electronic system
2. Agree on a notice period (maximum 2 months)
3. Pay compensation if leaving before the notice period ends (not exceeding 2 months’ basic wage)

Employer Terminating the Contract

Your employer can terminate your contract by:

1. Notifying you through MOL’s electronic system
2. Observing the same notice periods (1 month for ≤2 years, 2 months for >2 years)

If they terminate without notice, they must pay compensation equivalent to your basic wage for the notice period.

Cost Considerations

Changing Jobs

• The process is free for workers
• You don’t need to pay for the new QID issuance

Repatriation

Your employer must cover your return flight ticket within two weeks of contract expiration. If you join a new employer before leaving, the new employer becomes responsible for repatriation.If you terminate the contract early:

Employer's contribution = (Completed contract duration / Total contract duration) x Full ticket cost

For example, if you terminate a 2-year contract after 1 year, the employer covers 50% of the ticket cost.

Domestic Workers, Agricultural Workers, and Fishermen

The rules for changing jobs are the same as for private sector workers, with a few exceptions:

• Domestic workers‘ probation period cannot exceed 3 months
• Specific termination conditions apply as per Law No. 15 of 2017 on Domestic Workers

Common Issues and Solutions

QID Cancellation

If your employer cancels your QID before you submit a job change application:

1. File a complaint through MOL’s Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers
2. Submit a signed letter in Arabic to the Head of the Labour Relations Department requesting QID reactivation
3. Include your QID number, mobile number, and a brief explanation
4. Attach copies of your QID, cancellation SMS, and new job offer

Passport Confiscation

Employers cannot keep your passport without your consent. Those who do can be fined up to QAR 25,000 per worker.

Recent Updates to the Job Change Process

As of 2024, there have been some changes to the online portal for changing employers in Qatar. While the Ministry of Labour’s official website has not yet been updated to reflect these changes, reports indicate that the current sponsor is now being asked to approve the sponsor change request online. This new step is not mentioned in the official process outlined above. Given the discrepancy between official information and current practice, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a PRO (Public Relations Officer).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change jobs in Qatar without NOC?
   Yes, all employees can change jobs without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at any time during their contract period.
2. How long is the notice period before changing employers?
   The notice period is one month for employees who have worked for two years or less, and two months for those who have worked for more than two years.
3. Can I leave Qatar and come back to start a new job?
   If you leave Qatar without proper notification or completing your notice period, you won’t be able to return to work in Qatar for one year.
4. Can my employer terminate me without a notice period?
   If your employer terminates the contract without observing the notice period, they must pay you compensation equivalent to your basic wage for the notice period or the remaining part of it.
5. What happens if I don’t complete the notice period?
   If you stop working before the end of your notice period, you’ll have to pay your current employer for each day not worked, calculated based on your basic wage.
6. Can I cancel my job change application?
   Yes, you can cancel your application before it’s approved through the MOL electronic system. After approval but before contract authentication, you need to submit a written request to MOL.
7. Am I entitled to end-of-service benefits when changing jobs?
   If you’ve completed at least one year of employment, you’re entitled to end-of-service benefits, accrued annual leave, and other benefits stated in your contract when changing jobs.
8. What if my employer hasn’t paid my wages?
   If your employer hasn’t fulfilled legal obligations like wage payment, you can change jobs without giving notice, as per Article 51 of the Labour Law.
9. Do I need to pay for changing jobs or getting a new QID?
   No, the process of changing jobs and obtaining a new QID is free for workers.
10. What should I do if my employer cancels my QID before I submit a job change application?
    File a complaint with MOL and submit a request for QID reactivation to the Labour Relations Department.

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